Several grassroots organizations are coming together to help struggling families in Castle Hill during the pandemic with the help of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Volunteers packed, sorted and distributed hundreds of bags of groceries to local families within the 14th District.

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The relief drive was spearheaded by Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and several grassroots organizations.

To date, more than 500 meals have been distributed and nearly $350,000 raised for community groups serving low income neighborhoods.

The congresswoman says ordinary New Yorkers are stepping up during the pandemic. She's calling on the government to do more.

"We shouldn't have teachers and kids scrambling and begging for money because Congress is saying next time because at this point it's not about when it's not about if one is going to come, it's going to be about if resources are going to come in time to the people that need them," says Ocasio-Cortez.

The congresswoman says is she setting a new goal to raise $1 million for grassroots organizations by mid-June.